Sepp van den Berg hints at Liverpool exit amid Ajax links
Very recently, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson moved from Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League to Eredivisie side Ajax and made a return to European football after a six-month “vacation” with Steven Gerrard in the Middle East. 4151 miles away from the scorching heat of Saudi, Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg made an intriguing revelation surrounding Ajax.
The 22-year-old, currently on loan at Bundesliga side FSV Mainz, spent last season on loan at Schalke, and the previous season on loan at Preston North End. Clearly, game-time at Liverpool has been tough for the player, who joined the Reds from PEC Zwolle shortly after our Champions League triumph in 2019.
The last time he saw himself involved in a matchday squad for the Reds was in August 2022, when we won 9-0 against Bournemouth at home. In total, Van den Berg has made four appearances for the Reds across all competitions; three of which came in the EFL Cup in the 2019/20 season.
Very recently, in a conversation with ESPN, the Dutchman revealed that he was involved in talks with Ajax for a move over the 2023 summer transfer window. He somewhat dropped a hint about wanting to move abroad at the end of this campaign, potentially bringing an end to his career with Liverpool.
“I called (former Ajax manager) Maurice Steijn in the summer,”
“It was not very concrete, but there was interest.”
“Ajax remains a very big club, but I have my sights set more on abroad. Certainly England or Germany. If I now go looking outside, I might also want to go to Italy or Spain.”
Van den Berg’s desire to seek opportunities in foreign leagues is surely a reflection of a common ambition among young players to experience different footballing cultures and challenges. The English and German football landscapes, known for their competitiveness and development of young talents, align with the defender’s aspirations.
What next for Sepp?
For Liverpool, Van den Berg’s potential departure surely raises questions about the club’s approach to nurturing and integrating young talents. The need for loan spells to secure playing time certainly suggests a challenging pathway to the first team, prompting players like Van den Berg to explore alternatives.
To be honest, neither party can do anything about Sepp’s situation. The Reds surely cannot drop their skipper to make way for him. Moreover, the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and even Jarell Quansah have been spotless.
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Whether a move to Ajax materializes or if he ventures into new territories in England or Germany, the decision will mark a significant chapter in the young defender’s career. Liverpool supporters, accustomed to witnessing the growth of their academy prospects in recent seasons, will surely observe how the club manages the delicate balance between player development and the demands of first-team football.
